Ninety One, the JSE and London-listed global asset manager,saw a 31% boost in assets under management (AUM) to £171.8 billion by March 31, 2026. Annual results,released Wednesday, show resilience despite starting new financial year with lower AUM than expected.
Early 2026 had global economic acceleration,but regional war in Middle East from late February spiked geopolitical risk. Cross-asset volatility surged,oil prices hit multi-year highs,freight and insurance costs jumped on key routes. Equity markets,especially emerging ones,corrected sharply in March.
Executives expect partial market recovery next year . Ninety One Investment Institute flagged "crisis of global integration," shaping new risks and opportunities. Ninety One says its emerging markets heritage and international expertise support demand for core offerings.
Adjusted earnings per share climbed 12%,with proposed full-year dividend of 13.4 pence per share,up from 12.2 pence last year. Net flows turned positive at £2.8 billion, flipping from prior year's £4.9 billion outflow. Average AUM grew 18% to £151.8 billion.
Equities mainly drove net inflows,global strategies strong first half,natural resources second. Fixed income saw net inflows too,mostly from blended strategies,though emerging market corporate strategies had outflows. The South African fund platform logged net inflows,while Asia Pacific led regionally,boosted by global equities,gold,natural resources,local currency fixed income strategies.
Asset manager completed acquisition of Sanlam Investment Management this year,forging strategic ties with Sanlam,Africa's biggest non-banking financial group. This deal added £18.3 billion to Ninety One's AUM.
Despite average management fee rate dropping to 40.7 basis points,management fees grew 9% to £617.3 million,aided by higher performance fees and other income. By March 2026,56% of AUM beat benchmarks over one year,69% over three years,63% over five years . Over ten years,75% outperformed,76% since inception.
Founder and CEO Hendrik du Toit said business showed resilience and positive momentum . He noted demand recovery for emerging markets and competitive edge. Du Toit added that Ninety One is investing in talent and technology to be "future fit." But challenges remain…
